5 Ways to Start Your Own Business in a Tough Economy

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 24, 2009 – COLUMBUS, OH- Gary Vinson knows a thing or two about longevity in business… he just marked 30 years in the business he started with his family in Central Ohio.

“It’s very fulfilling and rewarding to know that we started something 30 years ago and today it’s still a successful thriving business,” says Vinson, who started Dinette Gallery with his wife in an effort to fill a specific niche in the furniture business, all while allowing time for his most important priority… his family.

“We were high school sweethearts,” says the founder’s wife, Sue Vinson. “We were buying cars in high school. We’d fix them up, sell them. We work well together.”

The Vinsons’ sons worked the sales floors and the warehouses, and the family venture has now become one of the largest specialty kitchen furniture retailers in the Midwest. Tony Ramirez, who started with Dinette Gallery while still in High School, is now President of the company. So how did this business weather today’s economic uncertainty, while many others are floundering? Vinson has this advice for business owners in these uncertain times:

1) BE CAREFUL WHO YOU HIRE

“Take your time,” says Vinson. “Be patient. It’s better to do the work yourself, and it’s very costly to hire the wrong person.”

2) BE READY TO MAKE SACRIFICES

“You have to be willing to work long, hard hours in the beginning. Give up golf,, fishing… whatever it is you like to do. In the early days, you have to be willing to say all my emphasis is on my business and its success.”

3) GET SOMEONE GOOD TO DO YOUR BOOKS

“It’s critical to have an accountant in-house doing your books. You, your wife,  or your partner may not have the skills of accounting. Companies are made and lost every day. In 30 years, we’ve run into many mistakes, and it’s cost tens of thousands of dollars. Get someone talented and dedicated to your business.

4) BE SEEN

“For retail businesses, visibility of your signage is crucial. Advertising is very expensive. Mail, newspaper, TV…  I’ve tried it all. Get a good location and good signs on your store.”

5) BE DETAIL-ORIENTED

“DO NOT be afraid to over-manage or micro-manage. You have to pay attention
to the details.. If you’re too visionary or too much of a sales person, it will be
tough for you to survive in today’s economy. Somebody has to be in charge.

More Information at: http://www.dinettegallery.com/
Interviews and Press Coverage Contact: Sarah Oehler, SNO PR: 720.297.0471